Guide
Unit Overview Grid: Teaching An Inspector Calls
Get a birds-eye view of the materials, topics, and activities covered in this Unit.
Language
English — UKUpdated
This resource is intended for educators in the United Kingdom.
How to Cite This Guide
Facing History & Ourselves, “Unit Overview Grid: Teaching An Inspector Calls”, last updated June 16, 2020.
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Analysing Gerald’s Character
Students develop their understanding of the character Gerald, exploring the differences between his treatment of Eva/Daisy and Sheila, whilst reflecting on Edwardian gender expectations.
Bearing Witness to Eva Smith
Students reflect on Priestley’s portrayal of Eva Smith and consider the symbolism of having a character who only appears in the narrative second-hand.
The Cost of Labour
Students explore the moral codes of the world of the play, before being introduced to the concept of a universe of obligation and participating in a debate on workers’ rights.
Eric's Decisions and Consent
Students consider the role power plays in the interactions between characters, focusing on the relationship between Eric and Eva, before discussing consent.
Exploring Social Inequality
Students explore social inequality in the UK, discussing how an individual’s background can impact their opportunities before examining graphs that display social inequality and employment trends.
Inspecting Inspector Goole
Students create an identity chart for Inspector Goole, analyse his parting words, and look for clues to uncover who or what Inspector Goole is.
Putting the Characters on Trial
Students finish reading the play and participate in a court trial to decide which character is the most responsible for the death of Eva Smith.
Social Systems and Individual Agency
Students identify the parts, people, and interactions of various social systems, thinking about what bearing they have on character choices and behaviour, before considering responses to injustice.
Theatre as a Call to Action
Students consider theatre as a call to action, discussing its power and limitations to spark real social change, before plotting their own play inspired by An Inspector Calls.
The Treatment of Edwardian Women
Students examine various resources, including excerpts from Emmeline Pankhurt’s ‘Freedom or Death’ speech, to gain an understanding of how women were treated and expected to behave in Edwardian society.
Teaching An Inspector Calls
Use this unit to transform how you teach J.B. Priestley's play and support your students in becoming effective writers, critical thinkers, and socially responsible citizens, who excel in their GCSEs.
Most teachers are willing to tackle the difficult topics, but we need the tools.
—
Gabriela Calderon-Espinal, Bay Shore, NY
